**Residing in London: A Nine-Month Experience**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
It has been nine months since I commenced my experience of residing in London. Although this duration might not appear lengthy, it has been sufficient for me to comprehend and adjust to the lively pulse of this metropolis. London is renowned not only for its varied lodging alternatives but also for the rich mosaic of communities that inhabit it. For students, the city presents a myriad of housing selections, from student accommodations to private rentals. Choices include ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and communal rooms, studio flats, and house shares. While domestic students can easily schedule in-person viewings, platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom allow international students to seamlessly browse accommodations online, review amenities, and evaluate proximity to public transport options.
### Locating a Place to Call Home
When I initiated my search for a room, my focus was on Central London to remain near prominent attractions, social centers, and the campus of Imperial College. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most centralized. The city’s outstanding transportation network—including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—ensures smooth navigation between zones. Nevertheless, traveling between zones can be pricey, with daily costs reaching as high as £5.25. To cut down on transport expenses, I often chose to walk shorter distances instead of relying on public transport. For longer journeys, the Oyster card became essential, providing discounted travel options for students.
In addition to the Underground, services such as London Overground and National Rail extend to locations outside central London, although fares fluctuate based on distance and train operator. While residing in Central London grants unrivaled access to attractions, it also comes with steep living expenses. To manage costs, my friend and I opted to share a room, which significantly lowered our rent. I selected intercollegiate student accommodations, as they offered a valuable chance to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age ranges—something more challenging to achieve through private rentals.
### Accessibility to Essentials
For me, being close to supermarkets was essential. Well-known supermarket chains like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are readily accessible, while budget-friendly options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also available. Having essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies nearby was particularly advantageous during hectic times like examination periods, conserving both time and energy.
### Selecting the Right Neighbourhood
Choosing a neighbourhood in London can be an overwhelming endeavor, considering the city’s remarkable diversity. London’s ethnic communities greatly contribute to its cultural fabric, providing a sense of comfort for international students. For example, Southall in West London is recognized for its large South Asian community, which includes Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London showcases a lively Afro-Caribbean culture along with a dynamic music scene. Similarly, Chinatown, situated in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These neighbourhoods are merely a few illustrations of the city’s vibrant cultural enclaves.
### Embracing London’s Diversity
In the end, the ideal area to reside in London relies on your individual interests and priorities. Whether you are attracted to the city’s cultural hubs, its practicality, or its vibrant neighbourhoods, London offers something for everyone. My recommendation for anyone seeking a home here is to embrace the diversity, delve into the cultural richness, and seize the opportunities that this extraordinary city presents.
*By Guest Blogger*
*Categorised under: Uncategorized*
*Tagged: accommodation, housing, London Life, master’s*